Elad Benari

Elad Benari

News writer based in North America

Elad was born in Haifa, Israel, and currently resides in Canada.

News by Elad Benari

Over Gaza concerns

Norway’s wealth fund cuts ties with Israeli firms over Gaza concerns

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund sells shares in 11 Israeli companies, citing the Gaza crisis. It will now manage Israeli investments in-house and end contracts with local managers.

Norway’s wealth fund cuts ties with Israeli firms over Gaza concerns

EU condemns Gaza strike that killed Al Jazeera journalists

EU condemns the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, urging Israel to provide evidence for its claims that they were Hamas terrorists.

EU condemns Gaza strike that killed Al Jazeera journalists

PM Albanese confirms:

Australia to back Palestinian statehood at UN, PM Albanese confirms

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces that Australia will officially recognize Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in September.

Australia to back Palestinian statehood at UN, PM Albanese confirms

Sanders:

Sanders: Israel becoming a 'pariah state' under Netanyahu’s leadership

Senator Bernie Sanders criticizes PM Netanyahu, claiming recent policies have made Israel "almost a pariah state" globally. While recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, Sanders blames Netanyahu government for worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

Sanders: Israel becoming a 'pariah state' under Netanyahu’s leadership

No inspections planned

Iran to host IAEA official, but no nuclear site inspections planned

The IAEA's deputy head will visit Iran Monday to ease tensions, but no inspections will occur. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi reiterates that cooperation is contingent on new terms.

Iran to host IAEA official, but no nuclear site inspections planned

Greta Thunberg to participate in yet another flotilla to Gaza

Greta Thunberg announces she will join a large flotilla this month to challenge Israel’s Gaza blockade. Set to sail from Spain and Tunisia, the flotilla aims to break the blockade with boats from over 44 countries.

Greta Thunberg to participate in yet another flotilla to Gaza

Dutch Foreign Minister:

Dutch Foreign Minister: No Palestinian state recognition for now

The Dutch government has decided not to recognize a Palestinian state despite rising concerns over Gaza, says Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.

Dutch Foreign Minister: No Palestinian state recognition for now

Brazil snubs Israel’s outreach for closer diplomatic relations

Report: Despite Israel’s attempt to ease tensions, Brazil has not responded to Israel's diplomatic outreach, signaling a continued strain in relations.

Brazil snubs Israel’s outreach for closer diplomatic relations

Trump urges Middle Eastern countries to join Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump urges all Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords, stating that with Iran’s nuclear threat “obliterated,” the path to peace in the region is through collaboration with Israel.

Trump urges Middle Eastern countries to join Abraham Accords

Murder of embassy staffers

Prosecutors considering death penalty for shooter of Israeli embassy staffers

Elias Rodriguez, arrested for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., faces possible death penalty charges, officials confirm.

Prosecutors considering death penalty for shooter of Israeli embassy staffers

Targeting anti-Israel activists

Stanford newspaper sues Trump administration over targeting anti-Israel activists

The Stanford Daily sues the Trump administration, challenging its use of immigration law to target pro-Palestinian Arab activists and arguing that the government's actions unlawfully curtail First Amendment rights.

Stanford newspaper sues Trump administration over targeting anti-Israel activists

Iranian government executes spy for Israel and ISIS terrorist

Iran executes two men, one accused of spying for Israel and another linked to ISIS. Both executions follow Supreme Court rulings.

Iranian government executes spy for Israel and ISIS terrorist

Calls to pressure Israel

Egypt slams global response to Gaza crisis, urges pressure on Israel

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty criticizes the international response to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, describing it as a "shameful" situation and urging Western powers to increase pressure on Israel.

Egypt slams global response to Gaza crisis, urges pressure on Israel

Trump issues threat to Iran:

Trump issues threat to Iran: If they restart their nuclear program, we'll be back

President Trump threatens Iran with a swift response if they restart their nuclear program, following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.

Trump issues threat to Iran: If they restart their nuclear program, we'll be back

Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani named Iran’s new security chief

Iranian President Pezeshkian names longtime Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani as head of the Supreme National Security Council. The move follows Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel. Larijani, a former IRGC member, replaces Ali Akbar Ahmadian.

Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani named Iran’s new security chief

State Department:

State Department: US focused on hostages, not speculating on Gaza capture

US State Dept. spokesperson Tammy Bruce declines to comment on reports of Israeli plans to capture Gaza, saying the US remains focused on freeing hostages and ensuring Hamas never regains control.

State Department: US focused on hostages, not speculating on Gaza capture

Trump:

Trump: US focused on Gaza aid, Israel will decide on control of Gaza

President Trump says the US is focused on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and stresses that any decision on reoccupying the region is “up to Israel.” He condemns Hamas-released video of hostage Evyatar David, calling it “horrible.”

Trump: US focused on Gaza aid, Israel will decide on control of Gaza

Officials condemn

Historic synagogue in western Canada vandalized, officials condemn

Officials, including British Columbia Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger, condemn vandalism of the Congregation Emanu-el Synagogue in Victoria, Canada’s oldest surviving synagogue.

Historic synagogue in western Canada vandalized, officials condemn

Australia boosts Gaza aid after anti-Israel protest

Australia announces it will provide an additional $20M in aid to Gaza, citing urgent humanitarian needs. The announcement comes days after PM Albanese condemned Israel’s blockade and warned it risks losing international support.

Australia boosts Gaza aid after anti-Israel protest

German Chancellor:

German Chancellor: Hostage footage shows Hamas brutality, Israel must not mirror it

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns Hamas for torturing Israeli hostages and using Gazans as shields. Citing disturbing footage of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, Merz calls for a ceasefire conditioned on the hostages' release.

German Chancellor: Hostage footage shows Hamas brutality, Israel must not mirror it

After clash with Israel

Iran forms National Defense Council after military clash with Israel

Iran approves the creation of a National Defense Council following its June confrontation with Israel. The new body, chaired by President Pezeshkian, will centralize military planning and boost the armed forces' capabilities.

Iran forms National Defense Council after military clash with Israel

Trump urges aid for Gaza:

Trump urges aid for Gaza: We don’t want people to starve

President Donald Trump says the US is leading efforts to provide food for Gaza's civilians: “We're the only country that's really doing that.”

Trump urges aid for Gaza: We don’t want people to starve

Portugal mulls recognizing Palestinian state ahead of UN assembly

Portugal’s Prime Minister says his government will consult political leaders and the president on whether to recognize a Palestinian state.

Portugal mulls recognizing Palestinian state ahead of UN assembly

Iran demands US compensation before nuclear talks can resume

Iran's Foreign Minister says Tehran won't resume nuclear talks unless the US compensates for damages from recent strikes. Demands include financial reparations and guarantees against future attacks.

Iran demands US compensation before nuclear talks can resume

Due to Gaza conflict

Slovenia bans all weapons trade with Israel, citing Gaza conflict

Slovenia becomes the first EU country to ban all weapons trade with Israel, citing the Gaza conflict.

Slovenia bans all weapons trade with Israel, citing Gaza conflict

Sanders' resolution to halt Israel arms sales fails in Senate

US Senate rejects Sen. Sanders' bid to block arms sales to Israel, despite 12 senators reversing previous support. AIPAC applauds the vote, emphasizing support for Israel's security.

Sanders' resolution to halt Israel arms sales fails in Senate

Campus antisemitism:

Trump open to $500m settlement with Harvard over antisemitism

President Trump says his administration may accept $500 million from Harvard to end funding dispute tied to antisemitism and diversity policies.

Trump open to $500m settlement with Harvard over antisemitism

US official:

US official: Trump sees recognition of Palestinian state as reward to Hamas

A White House official says President Trump will not support recognizing a Palestinian state, as he believes it would reward Hamas.

US official: Trump sees recognition of Palestinian state as reward to Hamas

Subject to PA reforms

Canada to recognize Palestinian state, subject to PA reforms

Canadian PM Mark Carney says Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September—if the PA holds elections, disarms, and excludes Hamas. Israel condemns the move, calling it a reward for terror.

Canada to recognize Palestinian state, subject to PA reforms

Campus antisemitism:

Harvard weighs $500m settlement amid Trump antisemitism probe

Harvard is reportedly nearing a $500 million settlement with the Trump administration over alleged civil rights violations involving Jewish and Israeli students.

Harvard weighs $500m settlement amid Trump antisemitism probe

Toronto man who threatened to bomb synagogues gets house arrest

Toronto man who threatened to bomb synagogues and kill Jews sentenced to house arrest, sparking outrage from Jewish groups who warn it sends a dangerous message amid rising antisemitism.

Toronto man who threatened to bomb synagogues gets house arrest

Danon slams Starmer:

Danon slams Starmer ultimatum: UN votes won’t change who fights terror

Israel’s UN Ambassador rejects UK PM Starmer’s threat to recognize “Palestine” by September, warning that UN votes won't deter Israel from fighting Hamas.

Danon slams Starmer ultimatum: UN votes won’t change who fights terror

Maltese PM:

Maltese PM: We’ll back Palestinian statehood at UN in September

Prime Minister Robert Abela announces Malta will recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September.

Maltese PM: We’ll back Palestinian statehood at UN in September

Netanyahu to Starmer:

Netanyahu to Starmer: Recognizing Palestine rewards terror

PM Netanyahu blasts UK Prime Minister for vowing to recognize a Palestinian state by September if the Gaza situation doesn't improve, says this "rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism" and would create a "jihadist state" threatening Britain.

Netanyahu to Starmer: Recognizing Palestine rewards terror

PA demands Hamas disarm and cede Gaza control

Palestinian Authority cabinet leader Mohammad Mustafa states the PA is the sole legitimate authority for Gaza and urges a complete Israeli withdrawal, while rejecting violence and terrorism.

PA demands Hamas disarm and cede Gaza control

Saudi FM:

Saudi FM: No ties with Israel without Palestinian statehood

Saudi Arabia reaffirms it will not normalize ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state, as FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan cites Gaza's ongoing crisis and stresses the need for a two-state solution.

Saudi FM: No ties with Israel without Palestinian statehood

Report:

Report: Starmer to tie Palestinian statehood to ceasefire and hostage release

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to propose conditional recognition of a Palestinian state, linking it to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, amid rising pressure from Labour MPs.

Report: Starmer to tie Palestinian statehood to ceasefire and hostage release

Australian PM warns Israel is 'losing support', criticizes Gaza blockade

Australian PM Anthony Albanese criticizes Israel's blockade of Gaza aid and warns Netanyahu's government is "losing support," but says recognition of a Palestinian state is not imminent.

Australian PM warns Israel is 'losing support', criticizes Gaza blockade

Starmer recalls cabinet amid calls to recognize Palestinian state

UK PM Keir Starmer will recall his cabinet amid growing pressure to recognize a Palestinian state. Over 200 MPs demand action as the Gaza crisis worsens.

Starmer recalls cabinet amid calls to recognize Palestinian state

Houthis threaten:

Houthis threaten: We will target all shipping linked to Israel, regardless of flag

Houthi rebels announce plans to strike any vessel tied to Israeli ports, citing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Houthis threaten: We will target all shipping linked to Israel, regardless of flag